Page 2 | Getting fit

PlateSpinnerJuggler · 2021-07-30T15:09:07+00:00

So I literally since a teenager haven't done any exercise - (I'm 40 now). I'm aware both my parents have / had heart disease and I'm thinking it's about time I take some responsibility.... and start looking after myself somewhat - but I loathe at the thought.... Any suggestions for a real real beginner?? Wouldn't want to do anything in front of anyone at this point

Rainy365 · 30/07/2021 18:03

Another vote for Team Body Project. I started with the free YouTube videos but now a paid member as I wanted to follow their programmes from beginner and ensure I was working my whole body and give it variety. I’ver never stuck to exercise in this way before and it’s just so easy to do at home. You can get started without dumbells. All you need to do is press play! The instructors also make you feel ok to press pause if you need a break and I find them very encouraging and motivating no matter what your fitness level is.

EssexLioness · 30/07/2021 18:08

I am 43 and the same. I have written several exercise schedules the last couple of weeks, then decide on something different as I just don’t know where to begin. Typical procrastinating. Need to decide on a plan and stick to it!

Waveafterwaveslowlydrifting · 30/07/2021 18:15

I was like this. I joined a pricy gym in April. It's on my way home from work and my logic was, it costs £86 per month so I have to get my money's worth.

I started by swimming outdoors, just 20 lengths. When classes opened up I did yoga. Then I progressed to zumba and started running on a treadmill. Body pump - started at bar weight only and now I'm increasing my weights and really sweating. Also tried HIIT which is a brutal class but I could do the whole class! I can swim 60 lengths now.

I absolutely love it. There are adults only swim times and an adults only lounge. On sunny days you can sit on a lounger by the pool. There are lovely Elemis toiletries in the changing rooms.

I go 5 times a week because I enjoy it. I've seen progress which motivates me. Definitely find something you love!

Serenissima21 · 30/07/2021 18:19

I don't think I enjoy any physical activity/exercise/sport...
That's how I felt. I started doing couchto5k and the first few weeks were awful. I also felt so embarrassed to be seen outside running - not sure why. I got over it though and it has made me fitter and weirdly I actually like it. Never thought I would say that.

Waveafterwaveslowlydrifting · 30/07/2021 18:19

OP if you go to a decent exercise class the instructor will be really supportive and kind. When I turned up to HIIT I was obviously the weakest and slowest of everyone (they looked like barbie and Ken, I'm a potato) but my instructor showed me lower impact options and was so encouraging. The main thing is to show up and have a go. The endorphin rush afterwards is worth it!

I love classes as once you've started, you keep going whereas on your own in the gym or running outside you might give up. I book my next class straight away when it's finished.

ragged · 30/07/2021 18:22

Loads of my friends / peers are really into exercise

are any of the friends available for walking with?

I have a friend who is about 6 stone overweight. She says she can't find self-discipline to walk by herself, but she will come out for any social exercise.

ShortBacknSides · 30/07/2021 18:24

Walk. Get off the bus one stop early. Don’t use your car. Walk.

Waveafterwaveslowlydrifting · 30/07/2021 18:30

Funnily enough I'm not bothered about going to the gym with a friend, prefer to do treadmill etc on my own but I do like classes.

EnolaAlone · 30/07/2021 18:50

Definitely start with walking. I second the recommendation of Leslie Sansone Walk at Home videos on YouTube. I also like the Pop Sugar Fitness YouTube videos.

Original poster

PlateSpinnerJuggler · 30/07/2021 19:27

@EssexLioness I am a proper procrastinator in everything!

Also feel I'm wasting time... like walking instead of driving 🤷🏻‍♀️
Work for myself and 3 kids and it's all about balancing - which I'm rubbish at as it is and always tired!

OP posts:

JSL52 · 30/07/2021 19:40

How old are your kids?
Could you all go for a walk after dinner ?
Longer at the weekends?
Agree with PP , start slowly and build up.

Original poster

PlateSpinnerJuggler · 30/07/2021 20:10

@JSL52 10 and younger...

Weekends we do go for a walk most weekends...

But their pace is not really exercise.

I find after school quite hectic between chauffeuring them place to place and dinner and never ending homework

OP posts:

JSL52 · 30/07/2021 20:57

[quote PlateSpinnerJuggler]@JSL52 10 and younger...

Weekends we do go for a walk most weekends...

But their pace is not really exercise.

I find after school quite hectic between chauffeuring them place to place and dinner and never ending homework [/quote]
True. It's difficult to find time sometimes.

ShortBacknSides · 31/07/2021 07:16

so maybe once kids are back to school I should kick off with daily walking

Why wait until then? Take your DC with you - don’t bring them up to be the same couch potato as you - you can go exploring together.

MiaRoma · 31/07/2021 08:46

Could you do your 2 mile walk at 6 am? Job done.

Sunrae28 · 31/07/2021 09:01

I also agree about Leslie Sansone walk at home. lots of her workouts are on youtube for free

DinosaurDiana · 31/07/2021 09:03

Buy some supportive trainers and go for a regular walk.
Doing something that becomes a habit is what you want.

TheVolturi · 31/07/2021 09:04

Couch to 5k is amazing and it's such a short session that you can fit in on any days that suit you. You can repeat weeks if you feel you need to.

TheFoundations · 31/07/2021 09:12

OP, it's not as rigid as you might think. If you move about more/lift more than you are now, you are exercising more.

You asked if 2 miles was 'enough'. Enough for what? If you need to get 2 miles away, it's perfect! If you want to lose weight, it will lose you more calories than 1 mile. If you're looking for fitness, it will get you less fit than if you walked 2.1 miles. D'you see what I mean?

What's your goal? Fitness? Weight loss? Being somebody who can 'pop out for a run'? Lifting your kids and your shopping with ease? 'Being healthy' is a very broad brush and if you break it down, it'll be easier to get where you want to be.

I'm a PT and can offer tips if you work out what you're looking for. Personally I lift weights alone at home for 10 minutes a day, walk the dog, and go for a run occasionally. It doesn't have to be a massive overwhelming endeavour. A little and often will work wonders, and 90% consistency.

Serenissima21 · 31/07/2021 15:03

I find after school quite hectic between chauffeuring them place to place and dinner and never ending homework
Could you walk to any of the places? If you're not sure, check on google maps how long it would take. It might surprise you. I used to drive ds to football but actually it was only a 20 minute walk. 😳

Lupellegrino · 31/07/2021 15:06

Another one saying Leslie Sansone on YouTube! 🚶‍♀️

wildalmond · 31/07/2021 15:12

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster

PlateSpinnerJuggler · 31/07/2021 15:15

@TheFoundations

OP, it's not as rigid as you might think. If you move about more/lift more than you are now, you are exercising more.

You asked if 2 miles was 'enough'. Enough for what? If you need to get 2 miles away, it's perfect! If you want to lose weight, it will lose you more calories than 1 mile. If you're looking for fitness, it will get you less fit than if you walked 2.1 miles. D'you see what I mean?

What's your goal? Fitness? Weight loss? Being somebody who can 'pop out for a run'? Lifting your kids and your shopping with ease? 'Being healthy' is a very broad brush and if you break it down, it'll be easier to get where you want to be.

I'm a PT and can offer tips if you work out what you're looking for. Personally I lift weights alone at home for 10 minutes a day, walk the dog, and go for a run occasionally. It doesn't have to be a massive overwhelming endeavour. A little and often will work wonders, and 90% consistency.

I guess my goal is to have a healthy heart... if I want to lose weight I know I can do it via diet but that's not stand alone with two parents with heart disease

OP posts:

Ozanj · 31/07/2021 15:44

Walking everyday.

Pilates, Yoga are really beginner friendly. Pilates is possibly better because it focusses on strength so you will build lean muscle with flexibility if you do 2-3 sessions a week, but yoga is really calming.

Try and sign up to walk a parkrun every week. The routine will keep you motivated

NormaSnorks · 31/07/2021 15:52

Buy a Fitbit and get the free 90 day trial period (set a reminder to cancel before it starts charging). Start logging your steps and weight etc.
There are lots of free online videos and challenges.

Look on Facebook/ MeetUp for local walking groups. Around here there are loads that have sprung up during the pandemic and they are nearly all full of women aged 40-70. It's easy to join a walk and I've met loads of fun interesting people and found all sorts of local walks.
I've lost 7lbs over the last year just from walking, but feel happier, fitter and more toned.